31 October. It’s the spookiest night of the year – and a lot of fun for kids all over the UK. From dressing up to trick or treating, it’s easy to get caught up in the Halloween spirit. But it’s important to stay safe during the spooky season. Studies show children are more likely to get hurt on the roads during on Halloween, especially between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m1.
Whether you’re taking the tykes out trick or treating or are out and about driving, here are some useful tips for this Halloween:
Tips for parents
Here are our top tips to make your ‘fright night’ fun and safe:
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Make costumes spooky and safe.
Make sure your child’s costume is bright and easy to see. Try adding reflective tape or clip-on glow sticks to costumes and bags. The ghoulish glow will not only make their outfit extra special, it could help drivers spot them in the dark, too.
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Let your phone rest in peace.
You’ll definitely want some snaps of your little monsters in their costumes – but make sure you’ve finished your photoshoot by the time you head out. Don’t be distracted by your phone while out trick or treating. You’ll need to stay alert to danger and keep an eye on the roads.
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Grab your torch.
Carry a torch, lantern, or glow sticks. They can all help your child see and be seen by others.
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Mask off before you cross.
Encourage your child to lift off their mask before they cross a road – especially if it limits their vision. That way they’ll have the best chance to check the coast is clear before they cross.
Use designated crossings wherever possible and look both ways before crossing the road. Hold your child's hand if you need to.
Tips for drivers
Whether you’re heading home after a hard day’s work, or off out for a supernatural soirée, here are our tips for driving on Halloween:
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Slow down to avoid frights.
Keep your speed low, especially in residential areas. There’s likely to be kids crossing roads looking for the next door to knock. You’ll need to keep things slow and steady to avoid accidents.
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Cars vs costumes.
Take parts of your costume off if it's obstructing your view or restricting your movement.
Masks, hats, and comedy glasses can all make it tricky to see your surroundings. And an ill-fitting costume can make steering, braking and changing gears tricky. Plus, it’s against the Highway Code (rule 97) to drive wearing restrictive clothing.
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Use your headlights.
Turn on your headlights early in the evening – even if you don’t think you need them yet. Not only do they help light the way, but they’ll help kids see your car coming, too.
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Stay for the boos, not the booze.
Drink driving is illegal all year round. If you’re driving to a haunted house party this Halloween, it’s best to ditch the alcohol completely.
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Death to distractions.
With string lights, porch pumpkins, and devilish decorations aplenty, there’s a lot to catch your eye as you drive along. But it’s important to keep your focus on the road ahead.
It only takes a second or two for a child to run out into the road. You’ll need to keep a watchful eye out for trick or treaters and be prepared to stop suddenly.
By following these tips, we can all help make Halloween a fun and safe night for everyone. Remember, staying alert and cautious can prevent accidents and keep our communities safe. Happy Halloween!
1 Pediatric Traffic Injuries on Halloween in the United Kingdom: Prevalence and Injury Severity - PMC
